I received a copy of this book (From Heaven by A.W. Tozer) from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

From Heaven is a collection of sermons by A.W. Tozer for the purpose of creating a 28 day Advent devotional. Now that I’ve read through From Heaven, I regret that I’ve never read any writings from A.W. Tozer. His work is filled with theological wisdom and truth. As I read, I imagined sitting under his teaching in his church. Those must have been some powerful, life-changing sermons. He certainly did not mind “stepping on anyone’s toes,” so-to-speak. His teachings are direct and to-the-point.

In From Heaven, Tozer divides the days leading up to Christmas into 4 weeks, each containing 7 days of devotions. Each day’s devotion begins with at least one scripture verse. Then, the next few pages contain excerpts from Tozer’s sermons.

From Heaven is a great devotional for someone who wishes to study the Bible in depth and dig deeper into theology. Tozer’s sermons are thought-provoking and will likely make the reader want to study further. I know I do.

If you’re looking for a devotional more strictly devoted to Christmas themes, this is not the one. Some days are more Christmas-themed than others, focusing on topics such as What the Advent Established, The Meaning of Christmas, The Reason He Came, Christmas Reformation Long Overdue, and Three Truths Behind Christmas. However, many topics, although theologically sound, are not Christmas-themed.

To summarize: From Heaven is a great collection of sermons from A.W. Tozer. I would recommend this book as a daily devotional for that reason. I would not necessarily recommend it as a Christmas devotional. For me, it wasn’t “Christmasy” enough. The fact that it is branded as a Christmas devotional is, in my humble opinion, unintentionally misleading. It might not be what the reader expected. Although, I have enjoyed the sermons, it was not what I expected as a Christmas devotional.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Today is October 1st. I know it’s a little early for Christmas but BookLook Bloggers sent me One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall in exchange for my honest review. I read it with my in-home preschoolers. We learn about Jesus all year long so anytime is a good time to learn about His birth and the real reason for Christmas.

A 3 year old preschool girl enjoys One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall. – Photo Credit – Tina Truelove

Pictures are important for preschoolers. While I read with them, they love to look at the pages and imagine being there inside the story. The illustrations in One Small Donkey are colorful and appealing for children. The book is illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens.

The idea behind the story is to teach children that being the smallest, weakest, or different in any other number of ways doesn’t mean they cannot fulfill a very important purpose. God has a purpose for everyone. Everyone is important.

One Small Donkey is a rhyming book about a little donkey who compares himself to mighty stallions. One day, a shepherd calls on him to do a very important job. The shepherd’s wife, Mary, is pregnant and they must travel on a long journey. The small donkey must carry Mary to Bethlehem. Eventually, they make it to the city but there is no place for them to stay. Shortly after the small donkey and the young couple make their way to a stable, baby Jesus is born.

My preschoolers thought One Small Donkey was a cute story. As with many children’s Christmas stories, the authors take a few liberties at adding a few details. This particular story mentions snow. I wasn’t there then and I’ve never visited Bethlehem, but I doubt that it snows much, if ever, in the deserts of Israel. I opened up my Bible and reread the accounts of Jesus’ birth as told in Matthew and Luke. The minor details added by the author does not change the story of the birth of Jesus nor the meaning of it.

The author makes it clear that Jesus is the only Son of God, the Christ, born in a stable on that night in Bethlehem – and at the same time, makes the point that small people have a big purpose.

Without Rival by Lisa Bevere (Book Review) – Image Used with Permission via Family Christian Bookstores

*Without Rival by Lisa Bevere was sent to me by Family Christian in exchange for my honest review.

The first words I read are important for any child of God to know:

Dearest one,

You are loved by a Father without rival, entrusted with a message and a promise beyond compare, in a time without precedent. You have been chosen for this moment that is at once great and terrible. For this very reason, you must love fearlessly . . . believe outrageously . . . and hope without measure. – Lisa Bevere

Lisa’s first chapter in Without Rival is dedicated to encouraging women to realize who we are, that we are uniquely loved by a Father who has no rival. From there, she takes us on the journey of learning who God is. We are who we are because of who God is . . . because of who Jesus is.

She goes on to encourage women not to compare themselves with others.

Women have an identity without rival because they are daughters of a King without rival.

Throughout this book, Lisa’s hope is that women will realize their worth and their calling from God and that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purpose for their lives.

I have to say that I disagree with Lisa’s theology in chapter 6. I agree with her belief that God does call women out for specific purposes and ministries but the scriptures do not support women preaching in churches, especially where they would have any authority over a man. Lisa avoids 1 Timothy 2 when she presents her case in chapter 6.

I understand the vision and purpose of Without Rival and I believe God has blessed Lisa’s ministry and I believe He will continue to do so. I believe God calls women into appropriate ministries and He gives them all the tools they need to do what He has called them to do, but according to scripture, He would not call a woman to preach in a church where she would have any authority over men.

A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. – 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Having given my honest opinion about the matter, Lisa offers women so much encouragement throughout Without Rival. I could tell that she poured her heart out in the pages of this book, hoping and praying that women will realize their worth in Jesus and that they can minister in confidence – that they can live their lives “without rival” in His name.

A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller – Book Review – Image Used by Permission via BookLook Bloggers

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller

A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller is the third book in a series of 3 Birch Creek novels.

Oh my. Where do I begin with this one? There is so much drama going on in the pages of this book. The emotional turmoil in the lives of the characters keeps you on the edge of your seat. The real-life situations that plague all of us from time to time arise as ugly in this book as they do in real life. Readers are bound to relate closely to the characters and their circumstances.

Abigail Schrock has been betrayed. Within a matter of minutes, she went from her highest mountain top where her hopes and dreams were about to come true to plundering into her deepest valley. Abigail knows God loves her but can he heal her broken heart?

To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love. One is married and the other is planning a wedding. Abigail is alone. Or is she?

Abigail’s self esteem suffers a tremendous blow for the same reasons many of us suffer the same. I doubt there are many women who at some time or another would not relate to Abigail’s physical and emotional state.

Abigail has one suitor, but she is determined to push him away. She has suffered too much already and she refuses to be hurt again.

Will Abigail experience a love made new?

Abigail is the main character in A Love Made New but she isn’t the only one you’ll get attached to. This book is filled with dynamic characters who will capture your heart and your attention.

There are several things I loved about A Love Made New. I loved that multiple stories occurring simultaneously gave me the emotional breaks I needed to keep me coming back for more. I couldn’t wait to finish one chapter or section of one story so that I could get back to another, like a very complicated but intriguing movie. I was thankful that some of the main characters were portrayed just as imperfect as I am. As I read through their stories and their struggles to deal with forgiveness and the acceptance of grace, I realized my own need to forgive and to accept the grace my God has offered me. The elements of the most interesting stories – mystery, crime, betrayal, suspense, love – are all there. Out of all the ugliness that sin brings upon family and friends, you’ll find strong families who love unconditionally. You’ll find devoted friendships. You’ll find a consistent theme throughout the book, an emphasis on God’s perfect timing. You’ll find the agony of betrayal and a love lost but then the revelation of God’s plan and purpose with a love made new.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Amish Harvest

After receiving An Amish Harvest from BookLook, I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish the book in the time allowed. It’s a pretty big book! It is a collection of four separate novels from four separate authors. The novellas included in An Amish Harvest are:

Under the Harvest Moon by Beth Wiseman

Love and Buggy Rides by Amy Clipston

A Quiet Love by Kathleen Fuller

Mischief in the Autumn Air by Vannetta Chapman

Under the Harvest Moon

Realizing I needed to get started, I opened the book up to the prologue. Sometimes it takes me a few chapters to really get into the book. This time, I was completely captivated by the first page of the prologue from Under the Harvest Moon. I love Amish romance books and this one did not disappoint. Naomi, the main character, has suffered physically and emotionally in her short lifetime. At the age of 27 and the mother of 2 young girls, she becomes a widow. It’s harvest time and Naomi is without a husband. She is also pregnant so her father hires his friend, Brock, to bring in the harvest. Naomi’s father pays Brock for his work but insists that Naomi feed Brock three good meals per day. Those meals become the foundation for relationship building between Naomi and Brock. The relationship eventually reaches beyond the kitchen table and Brock becomes a regular part of Naomi’s family. He’s not Amish and he is much older than Naomi but he is young at heart and Naomi is mature beyond her years. Will Naomi fall in love again? Is she even capable of trusting a man again after enduring an abusive relationship before her husband’s sudden death? Would Naomi leave her community and her faith to marry and Englishman? Could Brock give up his English ways and become Amish?

Under the Harvest Moon is a sweet story of faith over fear and love after loss. It is a must read.

Love and Buggy Rides

Janie is sitting at a picnic table eating her lunch alone when she witnesses an accident. A driver slams into an Amish buggy, injuring passengers and Jonathan, the buggy driver. Jonathan is shaken up so he can’t remember if he signaled his turn or not. Janie saw that he did. Still, the driver of the car insists that Jonathan didn’t signal. Jonathan is blamed for the accident. Not only did Janie witness the signal. She witnessed something else. She might be the only one who knows. Should she obey her father and let the English handle the accident without her involvement or should she tell everyone what she knows?

Janie and Jonathan have lunch together every day after the accident. They enjoy each other’s company but Jonathan is 10 years older than Janie. Would Janie’s father approve? Even so, how would the relationship work out since Jonathan plans to go back to Maryland after the Amish harvest?

A dramatic incident at the end of the story changes hearts in a huge way. This story captured my attention from the very beginning. You won’t want to miss those last few pages!

A Quiet Love

Dinah’s mother pushes her to spend two weeks visiting with her aunt. Dinah doesn’t want to go. Would she be accepted? Would her aunt’s family make fun of her stuttering? She would much rather stay home with her pets. She is just fine spending time alone enjoying poetry in her room. When Dinah arrives at her aunt’s home, there isn’t much time for a traditional welcome. She arrives just in time to help her aunt’s family deal with an unexpected accident. Her only comfort is found in her aunt’s step-son, Amos. Amos is warm, friendly, and thoughtful. He’s different . . . special. Dinah helps Amos around the farm during her visit. She grows closer and closer to Amos. Learning that Amos is likely Autistic doesn’t stop Dinah from spending time with him and learning about his special gifts. Can a young woman who stutters and a young man with Autism find love? Will their families approve?

Mischief in the Autumn Air

Martha is 40 years old and a new widow. Her husband died suddenly and Martha is left to decide what to do. Her aunt offers to let her come live with her, but she must follow rules. She must go to church, help around the house, and plant a garden. Martha decides to go live with her aunt and work in an auction house. One day, Martha notices two suspicious bidders and alerts her boss, Eli. They are strangers and they were overbidding – way overbidding. Martha grew more suspicious. What are they up to?

It turns out that the pieces of furniture for which they paid too much have pieces of maps etched onto the bottoms. There are 7 pieces in all. Why are they so important to the buyers? Where do the maps lead? What do they lead to? Will Martha and Eli’s search for answers lead them to another kind of treasure . . . love?

An Amish Harvest has pleasantly served to deepen my love for Amish stories. As I read the stories, I felt like I was there in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – in Ohio – in Indiana – riding in buggies beside freshly harvested fields, eating Amish meals, and loving the Amish people. If you love Christian books, romance, and mystery as much as I do, then you will want to read the four stories compiled in this book.

Oh! There are several pages of Amish recipes in the back of the book. 🙂

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I loved Precious Moments as a child. I loved the books and the figurines. On my wedding day, my husband left a Precious Moments bride and groom figurine on the table for me in the bridal room. I have treasured it for more than 25 years now. I have two daughters who enjoyed Precious Moments almost as much as I did. Precious Moments stories and figurines are timeless. Happy Harvest by Jean Fischer is bound to be a favorite for years to come.

Happy Harvest by is a sweet Precious Moments rhyming book for children. The version I received is a board book appropriate for toddlers. Happy Harvest describes all the things we love about Fall. Children learn about making friends as school starts back after summer break. They learn about the purpose of the scarecrow and picking apples at harvest time.

Children read about football, colorful leaves, campfires, and marshmallows.

Children read about pumpkins, hayrides, and turkeys at Thanksgiving.

Children also learn about giving thanks in prayer. As children and their parents read through Happy Harvest, they will see a Bible verse at the bottom of each set of open pages. Parents might use this opportunity to teach children about the value of scripture and how the Bible relates to our every day lives. Scripture memorization is healthy for children and adults. The Bible verses on these pages are great verses for children to memorize.

I read Happy Harvest to my in-home preschool children. They enjoyed the illustrations and the rhyming nature of the book. I loved the book because it teaches children about God, prayer, Bible verses, and the value of faith.

We live in a world where we are so consumed with work and activities that we lead lifestyles that make it more and more difficult to teach our children the value of balancing hard work with quality time with family and friends, honesty and integrity of character, and the value of humanity over the value of money and possessions. How I long for a simple life!

The Simple Life Devotional by Wanda Brunstetter

It would be difficult for my family to adopt the Amish lifestyle, but I have come across a devotional which explains that we can live a more peaceful, simpler life without necessarily giving up the benefits of technology.

Wanda E. Brunstetter, author of several Amish novels, has written a devotional which helps busy individuals like me, and probably you, learn to rest in the quietness and peace of our loving God. In Brunstetter’s introduction, she writes, “Quietness and Peacefulness are really a matter of the heart”.

The Simple Life, Devotional Thoughts From Amish Country by Wanda Brunstetter is helpful and thought provoking. [Read more…]

Usborne Books Disclosure

Usborne Books Ltd. has no connection with these pages and does not sponsor or support their content.

Amazon Disclosure

"TinaTruelove.com" and “Mom is Forever” is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates
Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means
for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to
amazon.com.